Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work Visa

Check if you are eligible to apply for this visa and what supporting documents and information you need to provide.

Identity

You must provide proof of your identity:

• 1 acceptable photo if you apply online, or 2 photos if you use a paper application form
• your passport or

Visa and NZeTA photos

If you apply online, you must upload a copy of your passport when you apply. We will let you know if you need to send your passport after you have applied.

Sending your passport for an online visa application

If you submit a paper application, provide your original passport or a certified copy.

Citizens of China applying from China

Also provide your:

• Hukou (household registration book)
• Chinese identity card.

If you submit a paper application form in China, you must also complete a supplementary form.

Applicants from Hong Kong or Macao applying within Hong Kong or Macao

Also provide a copy of your identity card.

If you are submitting a paper application form, you must provide a supplementary form for Hong Kong and Macao visitors, workers and students.

Health

You must be in good health.

You must have a chest X-ray and a medical examination as proof of your good health.

Who needs an X-ray or medical examination

Applicants from China, Hong Kong or Macao applying within China, Hong Kong or Macao

You must provide a chest X-ray completed in the last 3 months, even if you have provided one to us previously, if:

• you have spent 6 months in a row in China since the last X-ray certificate was issued, and
• you are now coming to New Zealand for more than 6 months.

Character

You must be of good character.

If you are 17 or over, you must provide a police certificate from:

• your country of citizenship
• any country you have lived in for 5 years or more since you turned 17 years old.

Character requirements for New Zealand visas

How to get a police certificate

Genuine intentions

You must genuinely intend to meet the conditions of your visa.

When we decide if your intentions are genuine, we consider all the information:

• you provide to support your application
• we have about your personal circumstances
• you provided in any previous applications.

Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in New Zealand

Age

You must be 55 or under.

We check your identity documents — for example, your passport — to confirm your age.

Exceptional talent

You must have exceptional talent in your field of art, sport or culture.

You must provide evidence:

• you have an international reputation in your field of art, sport or culture
• you are still prominent in your field of art, sport or culture
• your presence in New Zealand will enhance New Zealand’s achievements and/or participation in your field of art, sport or culture.

Evidence may include:

• qualifications
• awards
• your membership of professional associations
• letters of support or recommendation
• anything else you believe demonstrates your talent.

Support by a New Zealand organisation

You must be supported by a New Zealand organisation of national repute in your field of art, sport or culture.

A representative from a must complete Section B of the 'Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports) Sponsorship Form' as evidence they support your presence in New Zealand.

Sponsorship

You must have an acceptable sponsor.

Your sponsor must complete and sign a 'Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports) Sponsorship Form' declaring that they will meet the sponsorship requirements detailed in the form, including providing you with accommodation and financial support.

Your responsibilities as a sponsor

After your visa is granted, you have 3 months to arrive in New Zealand.

Entry permission

You must apply for permission to enter New Zealand. You do this by completing a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) form.

You can start your digital declaration any time, but the earliest you can submit it is 24 hours before starting your travel to New Zealand.

A paper declaration form is available for travellers who cannot complete it online.

New Zealand Traveller Declaration

New Zealand Customs and Biosecurity also check that you meet their entry requirements.

Arriving in New Zealand

These are the conditions that you must meet once you have your visa. Your visa conditions are recorded in your eVisa.

Travel

After your visa is granted, you have 3 months to arrive in New Zealand.

After your arrival, you can travel in and out of New Zealand for 30 months.

Study

You can study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period.

Supporting organisation

You must have the support of a in your field of talent.

Sponsorship

You must have an acceptable sponsor.

Your responsibilities as a sponsor

Work

You can work in any occupation for any employer in New Zealand.

Keep your visa in a valid passport

If you want to travel, your visa must be in a valid passport.

If your passport expires, you must apply to transfer your visa to a new passport before you can travel.

Transferring your visa to a new passport